Athletics

Is Caitlin Clark the Catalyst for the WNBA’s Rise?

By Luca Leone ‘27 in Spring 2025

With the WNBA season having just begun, it's impossible not to mention Caitlin Clark. Clark had a spectacular rookie season last year, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. She ranked in the top ten in the league for both points and assists–a remarkable achievement for any player, let alone a rookie. Her standout performance earned her a spot as a WNBA AllStar in her first year, a rare feat, and she was also named WNBA Rookie of the Year. But Clark’s impact goes far beyond the court. She has become a catalyst for change in women's basketball. Since her arrival, WNBA viewership has gone up 300%. Her team, The Indiana Fever, accounted for 45% of total broadcast value. Her regular-season games averaged 1.2 million viewers–200% more than games she didn’t play in. Clark has undeniably played a pivotal role in the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity, drawing new fans and media attention, increasing engagement, and helping to cement women’s basketball as a vital part of the broader sports landscape. However, while Clark is a game-changer, it’s important to recognize that the growth of the WNBA cannot be attributed to her alone. Many elite players laid the foundation before her, though they did not receive the attention they deserved at the time. Today, stars like JuJu Watkins, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson are also helping to expand the sport's reach and visibility.